Josh Norris

Rankings

Norris' Updated Top 151

Where he wins: Three technique defensive tackle with quick feet to win on counter moves or create penetration off the snap. Flashes determination to win after first contact. Also has experience at end in some fronts, which will help evaluators project him into different schemes.

Where he wins: Plays well in tight spaces, with pass rusher close to his frame, which matches up with lack of length. Has a nice tall stance but bends well at the knee to absorb. Flashes moving and blocking in space, so guard projection is possible.

Where he wins: Played right tackle despite a left tackle frame and was not overpowered. Shows nice posture and length to extend, with necessary footwork to make an impact at the second level. Hand placement always seems to be inside to control.

Where he wins: Plays with a low center of gravity with explosive cuts to get upfield off blocks. Aggressive mentality with vision beyond first contact. North/south runner who has enough speed to sustain and the toughness and quickness to create.

Where he wins: Aggressively closes on pass catchers in front of him with strong hits. Same goes for run defending, not afraid to sacrifice himself to take out lead blockers from a strong safety role. Still learning the position.

Where he wins: Used as a defensive end and pass rushing linebacker, and his outstanding athleticism is immediately evident. Has nice natural length and flashes using it with a combination of inside and outside moves. Flashes of dominance.

Where he wins: Creates turnovers by attacking the football at the catch point and tries to rip it away from ball carriers. Used from a variety of alignments, including slot corner, safety, and linebacker. Excellent special teams player.

Where he wins: Primarily a slot receiver in college with quick feet to create separation in breaks. Thrives on the broken play due to vertical speed that wasn’t regularly used. Improved hands from 2011 to 2012.

Where he wins: Vertical speed is outstanding. Was able to show more skill at the Senior Bowl due to expanded route tree. Created separation with quick movements in and out of his breaks. Jet sweeps are effective.

Where he wins: Physical tackler coming from the free safety position, reads and reacts quickly. Makes plays from the opposite hash, takes solid angles and times contact well. Can play single high, two deep, or run with receivers down the seam.

Where he wins: Plenty of off man coverage in college with nice back pedal, strafe, and hip turn to stick with receivers. Attacks the catch point to disrupt. Does well to keep everything in front of him.

Where he wins: Will shine on passing downs. Short choppy steps allow for quick cuts to change defenders’ angles. Comfortable as a receiver in the flats or on angle routes. Low center of gravity helps with broken tackles.

Where he wins: Does not mind getting physical despite frequently lining up as Matt Elam’s free safety. Knifes through trash to make tackles rather than waiting as the last line of defense. Does not shy from attacking the catch point or immediately after. Comfortable trailing tight ends from the slot.

Where he wins: Quickness off the snap allows for immediate upfield penetration. Necessary to his success but that disruption will be valued. Low pad level and quick hands help create separation and work down the line.

Where he wins: Obviously comfortable in space, runs the seam with tight ends or receivers and shows closing speed in every aspect of his game. Shows more aggression when working downhill whether ball carrier is lined up or on the edge. Weakside linebacker.

Where he wins: Freakish length and can generate consistent separation when it is used. Shows a variety of techniques when rushing from the 5 spot, including push and pull or slap with dip to turn the corner. Strong side defensive end.

Where he wins: Catches everything away from his body. Fluid mover once in stride, carries momentum and doesn’t slow for catches either on crosses or vertical patterns. Used in an H-back or split receiver role.

Where he wins: Rugged, tough blocker that plays with an attitude from the left tackle position. Guard projection is likely in his future. Active hands to gain control with a strong latch. Moves fairly well at the second level, sets up cut block.

Where he wins: A very technical pass rusher in terms of hand use, extension, and shedding ability. Not going to wow with athleticism but understands leverage and lines to keep his opponent off balance. See him as a pass rushing linebacker.

Where he wins: Rarely goes down on first contact. Powerful runner with solid base to work through tackles. One cut runner with some burst. Unafraid to work between the tackles. Covers ground with jump cuts.

Where he wins: Has excellent ball skills as a center fielder with enough skill to take downfield receivers in man coverage. Good angles with some aggression in the running game, even if he doesn’t finish the tackle.

Where he wins: Strong side linebacker in a four man front with some rush capabilities. Strong and determined player on the edge, closes well in space and finishes. Eats up ground but has a strong base to hold the edge.

Where he wins: In the box strong safety who will pair with a center field, rangy safety. Attacks gaps as a run defender or blitzer, does not shy away from making a statement in the backfield. Tackles well. Does show some range.

Where he wins: Shows effective lateral quickness to switch gaps with the length to keep separation. Flashes violent hands and use long arms to reach at ball carriers. Good combination of leverage and length for three technique.

The goal was to keep this simple, so rather than giving full reports for each prospect, I offered descriptions on where and how they win. This is the most important part of the evaluation process, since it is much easier to list prospects’ deficiencies. Few players can do it all, so finding where prospects fit and where they win helps project their role in the NFL.

You will also notice the lack of quarterbacks. I will not be listing that position on big boards, since they are a breed of their own. It is just too hard to place them in this context. They will have their own list at a later date. Finally, you will also notice prospects with medical questions are still ranked highly. I cannot judge something I do not understand or know, rather I feel that listing what has been reported without judgment is the best approach.

Where he wins: Everywhere. Crushing blocker with an attitude to finish. Fluid mover for his size and gets in correct body position to seal off lanes. Technically sound player that could likely play either guard spot.

Where he wins: Long left tackle that finds contact through his hands with quick extension. Flashes nastiness as a drive blocker or when finishing off blocks in pass protection. Still filling out frame, but doesn't have to.

Where he wins: Pegged as a pure nose tackle, but that would be a disservice to his versatility. Can play along the front and shows agile feet for someone his size. Can be dominant for a stretch of plays and rarely took a seat on the bench at Utah.

Where he wins: A personal favorite. Extremely fluid and agile from his linebacker spot. Could see him thriving as a strong side linebacker who moves into a pass rushing role when called upon. Strong hands and flashes persistence around the corner.

Where he wins: Technically sound player with good knee bend and athletic footwork to mirror or halt his opposition’s momentum. Punch and arm extension helps absorb power and should be a quality left tackle for a long time.

Where he wins: Athleticism to mirror is excellent. Despite lean frame, can handle physical play on first contact and resets well with footwork. Lands multiple punches if he can’t gain the inside latch.

Where he wins: Instinctive, quick, and physical for his size. Believe he could play inside in any scheme but could thrive on the weakside. Doesn’t shy away from contact but also has the speed to beat ball carriers to the edge or stick with his assignment in coverage.

Where he wins: An absolute joystick in the open field with the ball in his hands. Made plays beyond receiving role, as a ball carrier and as a returner. Cuts to make defenders miss with acceleration to keep angles changing are outstanding.

Where he wins: After generating separation or finding himself in space, his closing speed is the best in this draft. Plenty of motor to chase. Already a solid run defender and saw snaps at rush linebacker, end in a three man or four man, and inside at tackle. Strong on first contact.

Where he wins: Explosive off the snap and follows it up with strong hand use to keep separation or disengage. Plays with leverage to drive opposition back if need be or keep his position to set the edge as a run defender.

Where he wins: Experience inside at defensive tackle or on the edge in multiple fronts. Strong at the point of attack to put his opposition on skates but displays enough foot quickness to win off the snap as well. Flashes violent hands to disengage.

Where he wins: Tall, long, and explosive off the edge. Puts the opposition behind with his first step and although lean, shows a good amount of strength when engaging. Works down the line well in the running game.

Where he wins: Great at splitting blocks, winning off the snap, or beating reach blocks. Very quick for his size and can really make his presence felt in the backfield as a three technique tackle or five technique end. Has been asked to drop back into short zones.

Where he wins: Shows disruption from defensive end or tackle. Outside, his initial strength on contact puts offensive linemen on skates. Inside, has burst and quickness to win off the snap. Length and pad level (when asked to pass rush) helps.

Where he wins: Sticks to receivers from the snap all the way downfield with physical play and speed to stay in hip pocket. Well-built for the position and it shows when attacking ball carriers. Uses hands to disengage or keep the edge.

Where he wins: Outstanding pulling or trapping guard. Moves so well in space and an extremely comfortable athlete. Shows good hand strength when getting inside punch. Would excel in an offense that requires mobile guards.

Where he wins: Press man coverage to slow receivers’ routes off the line and stick with them downfield. Remains balanced with his punch and shows that same physicality when wanting to attack the run on the edge.

Where he wins: Combo safety that fits where many schemes in NFL are moving. Interchangeable in the back half and showed plenty of comfort and aggression while covering slot receivers. Change of direction is there.

Where he wins: AN aggressive, physical player with enough mobility, awareness, and range to play the safety spots interchangeably. Sure tackler with aggression to make a play on ball carriers or when blitzing. Experience in the slot.

Where he wins: Adept in press of off coverages. Very good at getting physical at the catch point to disrupt the receiver. Fluid hips and smooth turns with footwork to stick with vertical or breaking receivers. Comes up to set the edge, forcing running back inside.

Where he wins: Smoothness, fluidity, and natural skill as an outside receiver. Body catches after aggressive steps on inside slant and adjusts to back shoulder throws along the sideline. Incredible ability to make people miss when the ball is in his hands. Big play threat as a returner.

Where he wins: Sets up defenders with technical routes and refuses to lose body position battle at the catch point. Consistently leaves his feet to go up and get targets with strong hands rather than waiting on them. Strong runner with underrated straight-line speed after the catch.

Where he wins: Experience at nose tackle and as a five technique end. Strong upper body to absorb and hold an anchor. Shows power in hands to shed or extend and press the pocket from the interior at times.

Where he wins: A punishing, powerful blocker with a strong grip to control his opponent. Flashes proper posture but can win with brute strength and athleticism for his size when things break down. Projects to a power running team.

Where he wins: Speed and burst off the edge with hand use to keep separation. Shows natural bend to work his way away from offensive tackles. Snap anticipation is very good. Athleticism to make tackles in space.

Where he wins: Big hitter that can set the tone for a defense. Interchangeable safety in the back half. Showed well at cornerback when asked to play the position, but natural fit at safety. Feisty, downhill player.

Where he wins: Undeniable speed and edge pressure to run around offensive tackles that cannot stop his momentum. Shows a motor to finish plays in the backfield. Flashes heavy hands to generate leverage.

Where he wins: Reliability in his ability to create separation and hands at the catch point. Breaks and cuts are crisp and exaggerated, consistently opening up space. Can make an impact at every level of the field.

Where he wins: Extremely fluid and smooth in his routes. Sets up opposing cornerback with head fakes and cuts. Reliable hands and adjusts body positioning after tracking to come down with difficult catches. Burns opposition vertically when speed isn’t respected.

Where he wins: Consistently took the top off coverages with excellent straight-line playing speed. Don’t overlook his ability to break off rights and his acceleration to take a short route to the house. Does very well to sustain the separation he created off the line or in routes, but frequently underthrown.

Where he wins: Quick player who always seems to play on his toes. Fluid in backpedal and hand fights to generate some separation against the run. Very comfortable in zone coverages, rides receiver until he leaves zone, quickly picks up the next with good vision. Also showed admirably in press man coverage, especially when turning to locate the football.

Where he wins: Played a lot of cover 3 and not afraid to cut off his line and take a chance on underneath targets. His risks tend to pay off. Height and willingness to go up and get it allows him to win at the catch point. Not shy against contact.

Where he wins: Extremely fluid mover when asked to work in space, lead block, and hit second level targets. Athletic feet to mirror laterally, bend at the knee, anchor and redirect. Showed same kind of skill against top competition as he did versus FCS.

Where he wins: Flashes winning in a variety of ways, specifically with strength to shed, power to drive, or quickness to shoot gaps. Runs the line well for his size and could see snaps all along the defensive line.

Where he wins: Consistently generates some backfield penetration, one or two steps. Nice hand use to beat the first man, shoulder dip or immediate gap shooting. Best attribute is his disruption from the 0 or 1 technique.

Where he wins: Hammer between the tackles. Uses strong hands to jolt second level blockers and stop momentum. Consistently sheds after stacking to make tackles. Tight lines and ability to work through trash helps him reach edge plays.

Where he wins: Projects well as an inline tight end due to skillful blocking and size but has experience as an H-back and slot option. Shields the ball from closing defenders and flashes nice agility for his size, especially when asked to get downfield.

Where he wins: Experience as a rush linebacker and as an end in a four man front. Motor to continue his pass rushing line while flashing separation or to chase down plays from the back side. Generates production when asked to loop inside.

Where he wins: Dynamic slot player who is very adept on short to intermediate patterns. Quick feet in and out of breaks with good body control to adjust to targets. Plays with low pad level in his routes to minimize target area for contact at the line.

Where he wins: Former safety has excellent speed in a free lane from the back side. Closes quickly and ferociously, especially on the edge. Can stick with any receiver in coverage and attacks the football when tackling.

Where he wins: Powerful, mauling run blocking right tackle. When his hands get on you in proper positioning, it is over. Long arms and solid build help engulf the opposition. Athletic forward mover for his size.

Where he wins: Strong lower body runner who always falls forward on contact. Allows blocks to develop but tough to slow down once up to full speed. Underrated passing down back, willing pass protector and adequate receiver.

Where he wins: Effortlessly adjusts to throws, either in the open field or in the end zone, with good body control. Hands catcher who doesn’t lose speed on his turns. Nice vision after the catch to cut off blocks and find the open field.

Where he wins: Center field type safety who tracks the ball well with angles to disrupt the catch point. Shows enough tackling ability to be a reliable last line of defense. Great ball skills and shows a physical side closing downhill versus receivers.

Where he wins: Uncommon kind of pass rusher in that he does his best work with hand use, extension, and shedding ability. Lines up in two and three point stances. Not afraid to plant off of his outside foot and work inside, or keep his opposition on skates. Reaches to make a play on the QB in the pocket.

Where he wins: Has experience and high level play at both left tackle and left guard. Great knee bend and posture to stay balanced. Strong grip to sustain his block against pass rushers that fire gaps. Consistently uses hands to punch on first contact.

Where he wins: Adept in off man, press man, and zone coverages. Physical player on the edge, attacks WR blocks and fights off to make a play. Has a good feel for timing with decisive footwork. Has experience in the slot.

Where he wins: In wide 7 or 9 technique. Excellent get off with low pad level, gains leverage with strong first contact. Leg drive to keep opposition on skates. Has more athleticism than was shown at 5 technique in 2012.

Where he wins: A very aggressive, confident hitter in the open field and when closing on the edge. See him blowing up the middle on inside runs as well. Sniffs out misdirection. Strong safety that lays the hammer on short to intermediate patterns.

Where he wins: Short, choppy footwork allows for upfield cuts between the tackle or in the open field. Made big plays as a returner. Comfortable as a receiver on angle routes, swings, or screens. Has enough speed to create big runs if given the sideline.

Where he wins: Lean runner who sticks close to his blocks with great acceleration after cutting off their backsides. Despite his narrow base he has some nice balance and isn’t afraid of contact as a runner or in pass protection. Decisive cutter, likely in a zone scheme.

Where he wins: One cut, decisive runner with great vision to find backside lanes. Doesn’t shy from contact as a pass protector and can make a big play happen if given a seam due to excellent straight-line speed. Upfield cuts make defenders miss at the second level.

Where he wins: Competitive player at the line and throughout routes. Fluid hips and movement skills allow him to stick close to his assignment. Aware zone defender as well, with quick change of direction with even faster close.

Where he wins: Slot receiver with excellent blocking in space. Good anticipation, hits second level targets, sustains and drive blocks the opposition. Solid movement skills for size and long arms to make catches away from his body.

Where he wins: Shows natural aggression from left tackle or guard. Obviously an athletic player for his size, moves laterally quite well. Uses opposition’s momentum against them, rides shoulder to drive out of play in running game.

Where he wins: Very comfortable mover in space with the ball in his hands. Joker alignment with quick moves to create separation and has the awareness to sit in soft areas. Willing blocker, even inline.

Where he wins: Eats up a lot of ground getting upfield off the snap, shows a nice dip to turn the corner against right tackles and free his path towards QBs. Not a one trick pony, shows willingness to plant outside and work in.

Where he wins: Lanky, string bean type frame with long arms to pluck the ball in traffic. Fluid mover with some quick twitch ability. Has vertical skills along with crossers over the middle of the field.

Where he wins: Gets physical in his routes by creating separation, slightly pushes off. Tracks vertical passes well and a determined runner after the catch. Makes grabs in traffic with corners attempting to undercut pattern.

Where he wins: Turns to locate the football after mirroring on breaks from off coverage. Experience in press coverage from the slot. Closes quickly, either off of back pedal plant or on the edge against the run to force things inside.

Where he wins: Used from a variety of linebacker spots, including inside, weak side, strong side, and as a down pass rusher. Shows positive play at each due to strength, short hops to work through trash, and a willingness to get physical. Great athleticism only helps.

Where he wins: Prototypical strong side linebacker. Gets up field against the run but remains under control. Extends arms to create separation in order to shed on ball carrier. Plays low and former safety skills show when asked to play in short to intermediate game.

Where he wins: Disrupts well at the catch point. Undercuts from cover 3, goes for receivers’ hands and forces drops. Doesn’t shy from contact, wraps up low against ball carriers after fighting over the top of blockers. Special teams contributor.

Where he wins: Lots of press man and mirrors early in routes with good burst to cut in front of receivers. Tight angles off the edge when sent on a blitz, cleans up on hits when downhill. Frequently used as a gunner on the punt team.

Where he wins: Athletic mover when asked to pull out front, chases down someone to block. Obviously has strong hands, which help him recover in case waist bending or lost balance takes place. Consistently looks to extend his arms and gain hand control.

Where he wins: Low pad level off the line of scrimmage with a nice pop on first contact. Carries that same low pad level on initial engagement and can eat up a good amount of ground with long strides. Frequently lines up in a wide alignment.

Where he wins: Makes splash plays when his number is called. Closes on edge runs with force, brings a lot on contact on downhill tackles when the target is lined up. Does his best work near the line of scrimmage, especially on receiver screens.

Where he wins: Downhill tackler from the weakside with good closing speed. Not afraid to engage with his hands on edge run and attempt to shed and make the tackle. Gets good depth on his drops in coverage.

Where he wins: Leverage to get under opposition’s pads and drive legs to keep them on skates. Strong first contact to create some instant penetration. At best when lining up at 0 or 1 tech, fire hydrant in the middle of the line versus the running game.

Where he wins: Three technique defensive tackle with quick feet to win on counter moves or create penetration off the snap. Flashes determination to win after first contact. Also has experience at end in some fronts, which will help evaluators project him into different schemes.

Where he wins: Plays well in tight spaces, with pass rusher close to his frame, which matches up with lack of length. Has a nice tall stance but bends well at the knee to absorb. Flashes moving and blocking in space, so guard projection is possible.

Where he wins: Played right tackle despite a left tackle frame and was not overpowered. Shows nice posture and length to extend, with necessary footwork to make an impact at the second level. Hand placement always seems to be inside to control.

Where he wins: Plays with a low center of gravity with explosive cuts to get upfield off blocks. Aggressive mentality with vision beyond first contact. North/south runner who has enough speed to sustain and the toughness and quickness to create.

Where he wins: Aggressively closes on pass catchers in front of him with strong hits. Same goes for run defending, not afraid to sacrifice himself to take out lead blockers from a strong safety role. Still learning the position.

Where he wins: Used as a defensive end and pass rushing linebacker, and his outstanding athleticism is immediately evident. Has nice natural length and flashes using it with a combination of inside and outside moves. Flashes of dominance.

Where he wins: Creates turnovers by attacking the football at the catch point and tries to rip it away from ball carriers. Used from a variety of alignments, including slot corner, safety, and linebacker. Excellent special teams player.

Where he wins: Primarily a slot receiver in college with quick feet to create separation in breaks. Thrives on the broken play due to vertical speed that wasn’t regularly used. Improved hands from 2011 to 2012.

Where he wins: Vertical speed is outstanding. Was able to show more skill at the Senior Bowl due to expanded route tree. Created separation with quick movements in and out of his breaks. Jet sweeps are effective.

Where he wins: Physical tackler coming from the free safety position, reads and reacts quickly. Makes plays from the opposite hash, takes solid angles and times contact well. Can play single high, two deep, or run with receivers down the seam.

Where he wins: Plenty of off man coverage in college with nice back pedal, strafe, and hip turn to stick with receivers. Attacks the catch point to disrupt. Does well to keep everything in front of him.

Where he wins: Will shine on passing downs. Short choppy steps allow for quick cuts to change defenders’ angles. Comfortable as a receiver in the flats or on angle routes. Low center of gravity helps with broken tackles.

Where he wins: Does not mind getting physical despite frequently lining up as Matt Elam’s free safety. Knifes through trash to make tackles rather than waiting as the last line of defense. Does not shy from attacking the catch point or immediately after. Comfortable trailing tight ends from the slot.

Where he wins: Quickness off the snap allows for immediate upfield penetration. Necessary to his success but that disruption will be valued. Low pad level and quick hands help create separation and work down the line.

Where he wins: Obviously comfortable in space, runs the seam with tight ends or receivers and shows closing speed in every aspect of his game. Shows more aggression when working downhill whether ball carrier is lined up or on the edge. Weakside linebacker.

Where he wins: Freakish length and can generate consistent separation when it is used. Shows a variety of techniques when rushing from the 5 spot, including push and pull or slap with dip to turn the corner. Strong side defensive end.

Where he wins: Catches everything away from his body. Fluid mover once in stride, carries momentum and doesn’t slow for catches either on crosses or vertical patterns. Used in an H-back or split receiver role.

Where he wins: Rugged, tough blocker that plays with an attitude from the left tackle position. Guard projection is likely in his future. Active hands to gain control with a strong latch. Moves fairly well at the second level, sets up cut block.

Where he wins: A very technical pass rusher in terms of hand use, extension, and shedding ability. Not going to wow with athleticism but understands leverage and lines to keep his opponent off balance. See him as a pass rushing linebacker.

Where he wins: Rarely goes down on first contact. Powerful runner with solid base to work through tackles. One cut runner with some burst. Unafraid to work between the tackles. Covers ground with jump cuts.

Where he wins: Has excellent ball skills as a center fielder with enough skill to take downfield receivers in man coverage. Good angles with some aggression in the running game, even if he doesn’t finish the tackle.

Where he wins: Strong side linebacker in a four man front with some rush capabilities. Strong and determined player on the edge, closes well in space and finishes. Eats up ground but has a strong base to hold the edge.

Where he wins: In the box strong safety who will pair with a center field, rangy safety. Attacks gaps as a run defender or blitzer, does not shy away from making a statement in the backfield. Tackles well. Does show some range.

Where he wins: Shows effective lateral quickness to switch gaps with the length to keep separation. Flashes violent hands and use long arms to reach at ball carriers. Good combination of leverage and length for three technique.

Where he wins: Thick lower body with a good base. Combines it with extension to push pull or rip into gaps. Hand fights to keep his anchor, adjust, and hold ground to shed and make the tackle near the line of scrimmage.

Where he wins: Lines up at end and tackle with good snap anticipation. Wins with strength on counter moves, switches gaps and drives legs. Works back inside with low pad level and has been used as a two point rusher too.

Where he wins: Put together one heck of a highlight reel. Has the leaping ability, frame, and straight-line speed to elevate over defenders. Tracks catches over his shoulder. Will churn through contact after catch.

Where he wins: Strength at the catch point to consistently catch contested targets. Same strength shows off the line of scrimmage, beating press corners. Will also win on crosses by shielding and catching away from his body.

Where he wins: A true utility offensive lineman. Flashes the mean streak as an interior lineman and the balance and lower body flexibility to keep up with edge rushers. Strong punch, leverage, and momentum only help his cause.

Where he wins: Outstanding athlete who makes splash plays as a tackle or at the catch point with deflections and interceptions. Shows some real aggression when his number is called and ball carriers are lined up, especially on the edge.

Where he wins: Used in an H-back at school and showed plenty of comfort as a receiver in the slot or out wide. Adjusts to overthrown targets. A very willing blocker during Senior Bowl week. Will be versatile and stick because of it.

Where he wins: Great athlete for the three technique position. When pinning ears back to penetrate he can make a home in the backfield, showing nice strength and burst. Chases runs away and stays on his feet.

Where he wins: Attacks blockers between the tackles with correct shoulder to force runner inside. Good punch on second level blockers to create some space, most of his time spent at the inside linebacker position. Tested with more athleticism than expected.

Where he wins: His motor never stops, chases down from the backside and uses leverage and strength to win on counter moves. Would not put him in anything that requires coverage, rather as an edge rusher who can spin inside or as a sub package interior rusher.

Where he wins: Straight-line thumper who can make his presence felt closing on the edge ferociously or against lead blockers. Unafraid to throw his body around. High effort player who likely fits as a weak or strong side linebacker.

Where he wins: Showed plenty of talent in 2011. Nice first step to get an advantage off the snap. Can run the arc and create separation with hand use to make a play on the quarterback. Uses a swat and spin move.

Where he wins: Versatility in terms of alignment. Wins as an edge rusher with his hand in the dirt by dipping outside or quick step in. Uses hands to work through blocks. Also not afraid to make first contact through chest and press.

Where he wins: His entire game is based on quick first and second steps. Can making closing defenders miss in his two yard radius. Breaks down his opponents on screens, anticipates cuts. Same goes for returns despite lack of great straight-line speed.

Where he wins: Very agile at the second level for a big back. Has lower body power but shows lighter feet for his size. Strong cuts and sets up defender. Flashes variety of ways to break tackles, namely the strength to stiff arm or thickness to run through contact. Good hands.

Where he wins: Excellent ball skills, especially on jumping routes from an underneath zone. High points. Has the length to project to physical man coverage. Confident player when attacking downhill with aggression.

Where he wins: Made the most of space given to him by excellent blocking. Improved vision in 2012, making things happen on his own. Shows a lot of patience with cuts off blocks. Willing to pass protect.

Where he wins: Front or strong side runner. Follows his lead blocker well, cutting off pulling guard or fullback. Sticks his foot in the ground and gets upfield. Little wasted movement. Willing pass protector.

Where he wins: Does best work as a vertical receiver, getting downfield from the slot and taking top off coverage. Went up and attacked the catch point better in 2012 and has the footwork to work along the sideline when breaking pattern off.

Where he wins: Lines up as a down lineman and two point pass rusher. Times snap and gets upfield with good first few steps. Sure tackler. Could thrive in a wide 9 or 7 alignment. Counter move is quick step inside.

Where he wins: Best role could be a situational pass rusher since he showed bend around the corner in 2011 as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That flexibility paired with a good first step will help on passing downs. Coverage skill progressed in 2012.

Where he wins: Appears to be an intelligent player on the field, gets to his assignment and completes it. Knifes through trash to make tackles versus the run. Has some pass rushing ability with a dip around the edge. Adjusts to ball carrier cuts.

130. DL Montori Hughes, Tennessee-Martin

Where he wins: On-field talker and flashes the motor to match it. Has the length many stouter nose tackles do not, uses it to keep separation off the snap and keep interior linemen on skates.

Where he wins: Likes to get after it in terms of going after his opponent. Not a patient player but should overextend less when moving to guard. Is strong enough to control once obtaining his latch. Uses armbar to stop inside move.

Where he wins: Shows strength in his hands to create space and run the line. Rolls into contact through hips in the hopes of gaining leverage and putting opposition on skates. Has some burst to split gaps.

Where he wins: Quick feet with straight-line speed to close. Hips in man coverage and trailing speed allow him to stick with receivers at multiple levels of the field. Flashes helping in run support after working off blocks.

Where he wins: Slot receiving tight end who can get to the intermediate levels swiftly, few wasted steps on cuts and breaks. Also lines up inline and runs hard on his routes, adjusts to poor throws by contorting body.

Where he wins: Obviously an intelligent player. Wide base and rides his opponent’s momentum if it takes them out of the play. Like a utility interior lineman. Takes correct angles and anticipates target.

Where he wins: Very reliable target, could be a third his entire career. Showed some vertical ability in 2012, tracked over shoulder. Added upper body strength to work through physical coverage and creates sliver of separation.

Where he wins: Has closing ability to attack the catch point. Used good technique in press bail situations. Regularly used as a blitzer and attacks ball carriers. Uses hands and feet to beat blocks on the edge.

Where he wins: Good first step off the line and vertical speed allows him to beat corners down the sideline. Also has the quickness to break off routes and create separation that way. Makes adjustments to off target throws.

Where he wins: Excellent frame and has shed weight. Inviting short to intermediate target because of radius. Has soft hands. Could be a great blocker if consistently strong on first contact with persistence to mirror.

Where he wins: Uses length at the line of scrimmage and when riding receivers downfield from press situations. Arm bars when turning to locate the football. Shows foot quickness to shuffle and mirror off of releases.

Where he wins: Has experience at right guard and right tackle. Will be viewed as an upside pick due to lean frame and inconsistent technique. Despite poor footwork, has the grip and athleticism to mirror.

Where he wins: Versatile new rover type defender. Has experience as an in the box safety, slot corner, and Will linebacker. Closes hard in run defense and works best in coverage when things are in front of him. Flashes riding tight ends down seam.

Where he wins: Physical corner, even to a fault at times. Closes low and wraps up on the edge in space. Flashes winning at the catch point, high pointing when locating the football or reaching up without vision. Best in zone.

Where he wins: Plays with power and flashes pushing offensive lineman back into the pocket. Also can get upfield when rushing from the edge and press with inside arm. Effort player to flow to the football.

Where he wins: Decisive, upfield runner who wants to go north and south. Shows determination and enough speed to pick up what is blocked. Determined style, little wasted movement. Does not go down on first contact.